It’s just a week away. Hanukah and Thanksgiving will descend upon us bringing families together to celebrate the Festival of Lights and the historic harvest of our pilgrim ancestors.
For Jews it is especially unusual, in a good way, in that the two holidays will fall on the same day. When something this unusual happens, some of us wonder if there is a deeper meaning.
Even though the secular world likes to compare Hanukah to Christmas, those two holidays have little in common. Hanukah has more in common with Thanksgiving than any other holiday. When you think about it, both have to do with people fighting for religious freedom.
So on this Thanksgivamukah, we as Jewish/Americans can feel blessed knowing that we are free. Our ancestors fought off their oppressors and made long, arduous journeys to parts unknown so that we could enjoy lighting the candles and sharing a festive Turkey dinner with our friends and family. It seems appropriate that we will celebrate them together this year.
On the special occurrence of these two holidays coming together, we all can say freely … thank God.
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